• Phacoemulsification for Cataract Removal
• Laser Treatment for Glaucoma
• Laser Treatment of Retinal Detachment
• Enucleation with orbital prosthesis
• Pneumatic Retinopexy
• Conjunctival, Corneal Grafts
• Phacoemulsification for Cataract Removal
• Luxated Lens Removal
• Intraocular lens implantation following cataract surgery
• Laser or cryoablation Treatment of Selected Neoplasm’s
• Evisceration with Intraocular Prosthesis
• Replacement of Prolapsed Nictitans (third eyelid) Glands
• Superficial Keratectomy for Corneal lesions
• Eyelid Wedge Resection and H-plasty for Eyelid Masses
• Cryosurgery for Distichiasis
• Cryosurgery for Eyelid Masses
• Ectopic Cilia Removal
• Parotid Duct Transposition
• Pharmacological Ablation of Ciliary Body for Glaucoma
• Puppy Eyelid Tacking
• Keratotomy and Bandage Contact Lens Treatments for Corneal Ulceration

CATARACT SURGERY-WHAT TO EXPECT

PRE-OPERATIVE:

• Exam-Your pet has just been examined and diagnosed with cataracts in one or both eyes.  PLEASE READ YOUR DISCHARGE SUMMARY AND SURGERY ESTIMATE FOR DETAILS. Should you decide to wait to do cataract surgery for longer than two months, a recheck appointment will be necessary to reevalate the eyes for changes that could affect surgery results.

• EYE DROPS-Your pet will need to be on an ophthalmic drops called Dexacidin (Neo/Poly/Dex) three times a day for at least 5-7 days prior to surgery.  This is a steroid/antibiotic medication that will help control any inflammation or infection and prepare the eye for cataract surgery.

• PHYSICAL EXAM AND BLOOD WORK-If your pet is five years or older, preoperative blood work needs to be done in order to assess your pet’s physical readiness to undergo anesthesia.  This can be done by your regular veterinarian or by our hospital.  If your veterinarian performs the blood work, please have the results faxed to our office prior to the surgery.  (Fax- 716-608-7788)

• DIABETIC CONCERNS-If your pet is diabetic, DO NOT give insulin on the morning of surgery, as your pet will be fasted.  Please bring your pet’s insulin and needles on the morning of surgery.  We will be monitoring your pet’s blood glucose throughout the day and will administer insulin if necessary.

• THE NIGHT BEFORE-Your pet can have food up until 10:00p.m. the evening before surgery and water until the morning of the surgery.

• THE MORNING OF-Prior to surgery your pet will need to undergo administration of various drops over a two-hour period to prepare the eyes for surgery.  An EKG will also be performed; therefore, we require your pet to be admitted between 8:30-9:30A.M. on the day of surgery.  Please walk your dog to allow him/her to eliminate prior to administration.

POST-OPERATIVE

• ELIZABETHAN COLLAR-Your pet will be sent home wearing an E-collar that will need to stay on for a minimum of 10-14 days.  It is very important to keep this collar on at all times as there are very tiny sutures on the cornea that could be easily disrupted by rubbing.  Pets usually adapt to having the collar on after a short time and are able to eat, drink and sleep while wearing it.  If you notice your pet refusing to eat/drink with the collar on, it maybe briefly removed during feeding time if under strict observation.  The collar should be placed back on your pet immedately after feeding.

• MEDICATIONS-The success of the surgery depends highly on your proper and timely administration of medications.  Initially this is a demanding task, as some of the medications need to be given five times a day.  Medications should not be changed without Dr. Stanz or Dr. Mineo’s consent.  If you run out of medications before your next scheduled appointment, PLEASE call the office for refills.  Medications can be obtained at our office or mailed to your home.  (Animal Eye Care is NOT responsible for medications lost in the mail)

• ACTIVITY RESTRICITONS-Your pet should be kept quiet as possible for the first couple of weeks after cataract surgery.  Vigorous play, especially with other pets, should not be permitted.  After the first day or two, you may be able to resume normal controled walks on a leash or harness.

• RECHECK EXAMINATIONS-After cataract surgery, your pet will need to be seen on a regular basis for recheck examinations with Dr. Stanz or Dr. Mineo.  The first TWO post-operative exams are included in the cost of surgry, although there will be an additional charge for medications.  Generally, the schedule for post-operative exams are as follows: 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, then as needed.  If there are any complications during or after surgery, rechecks may be schedlued on a more frequent basis.

Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Kimberly Mary Stanz is a native Buffalonian who graduated from the Sweet Home High School district. She attended and graduated from Canisius College in 1987 with her undergraduate degree (BA) and then went on to Cornell University where she graduated first in her class, receiving her degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Dr. Stanz then went on to complete a small animal internship at Auburn University followed by a 3-year residency in comparative veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1995 she became Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology and returned to Buffalo to practice her specialty. In 2000 she started her own practice (Animal Eye Care of Western New York, PC) the first and only practice in Western New York specifically dedicated to the care of the eyes of animals. In October 2003 she built a new home for her practice located in Lancaster.

In 1999, she married Bob and they share their home with  lots of cats (Frappacino, Bucko, Scrunch, Asti, Iris, Bert, Ruby, Venti, Tang, Tazo, Pinkie, Catco and a stray that adopted her).

She loves artwork and art festivals, (or just shopping in general), snowmobiling with Bob and friends, and she enjoys wine tasting in the Finger Lakes. Both Dr. Stanz and Bob love animals, in general, and enjoy rescuing cats! Our community is very honored to have her settle here in Western New York where she has helped many of our beloved pets with their eye problems. She truly is a pet’s best friend and advocate; Dr. Stanz treats each and every patient like it is one of her own, and with the greatest compassion (lots of treats), respect, and love.

Dr. Melanie Mineo, DVM, DACVO

Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Dr. Melanie Mineo is a native of Western New York. She graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo with a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Biology in 1991 and then attended Purdue University, receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1996.

She went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at Newark Animal Hospital/Delaware Veterinary Specialty Group in 1997. She remained on staff there practicing both general and emergency medicine, acted as liaison to the subsequent intern classes, and began to pursue informal training in ophthalmology.

In 2001, she moved to Florida to begin a veterinary ophthalmology internship position, which culminated in the completion of an ACVO approved ophthalmology residency in 2005. Her residency program was unique in that she not only studied with her primary mentor in a private clinical setting, but also trained in multiple academic and research environments as well. This training included rotations at such places as North Carolina State University, University of Georgia, University of Florida and Merck Laboratories.

Dr. Mineo has also studied at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC. There she pursued further education in comparative ophthalmic pathology and also had the opportunity to attend the University of South Florida (USF) house rounds lecture seminars which pertained to human ophthalmology cases.

Throughout her veterinary training Dr. Mineo has been involved with research in the areas of corneal disease, retinal disease and the effects of Bartonellosis on ocular health. Some of these contributions lead to published abstracts and presentations at the ACVO and ARVO annual meetings. She has also lectured at numerous continuing education courses at the local, regional and national level.

She completed the ACVO board certification process in 2008 and returned to New York to join the specialty staff at Upstate Veterinary Specialties. As a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, she was responsible for starting their ophthalmology referral service.

After serving as the primary ophthalmologist in the Capital District area for over three years, she has happily relocated back home to Buffalo to join the staff of Animal Eye Care of Western New York. She is pleased to offer her assistance to you and your pet regarding the medical and surgical management of their ophthalmic ailments. Ocular health and vision is a very important part of everyday life, and we are all pleased be able to help you and your pet in any way we can.

Alex Sweet, LVT

Alex (Licensed Veterinary Technician) joined our staff at Animal Eyecare in October 2007.

When she is not working or pet sitting, you might find Alex playing hockey, gardening, or somewhere out in nature.

She lives with 2 dogs named Hollister and Evelyn, and 4 cats named Benjamin, Eddie, Machrie, and Audrey.

Mary Wrazin, (Front Desk)

Mary (Aunt Mary to the patients) worked in the veterinary field as a receptionist since 1985 and was employed at Animal Eye Care in October 2004. She had the advantage of working with Dr. Stanz before Dr. Stanz began her own practice. Mary is delighted that she can “be there” for her clients, and their pets…. to help them see.

Mary loves Home, Kitties, Family, and Friends.

KITTIES:

“Otto”, “Bean”, “Li Li” “Puppy” “Princess”: all have 2 good eyes!
“Dubinicus”, “Mary” and “Busta-fur”: 3 one-eyed cats
“Lil Chicken” and “Dee Dee”: Both have 2 eyes but they are quite limited
“Cricket”: has no eyes, but he sees better than everyone else!

- “To all our clients and their pets that I have known and loved – I hope you all are well! ” MEOW”

Renea Reed, LVT

Renea Reed (Licensed Veterinary Technician) graduated from Medaille College and received her Associates in Science Degree in 1995. Renea was fortunate to work with Dr .Stanz before and during the creation of Animal Eye Care. She has now returned, and she is excited to renew her love of Ophthalmology.

Renea shares her home with two Pugs: “Winston “(pug genius-pictured), “Gracie Lou Freebush” and two felines, “Montgomery” and “Alley.” Both of her pugs were “rescued” from families who couldn’t pursue surgery to fix melting ulcers on their eyes. Both Winston and Gracie underwent Conjunctival graft surgery to save their eyes and vision. According to the tennis balls, squeak toys and squirrels, they have recovered their sight wonderfully!

Jessica Klukowski

Jessica Klukowski (J.K.) joined Animal Eye Care in 2011. She knew from the time she was three years old that she wanted to work with animals.

In high school she decided to pursue a job in the veterinary field. Her experience employed at a local animal hospital confirmed her desire to be involved with veterinary medicine. She enrolled at SUNY Delhi for courses in Veterinary Science.

While working toward her degree, Jessica was requried to complete externships, one of which she spent at Animal Eye Care. She felt so welcome and enjoyed it so much that she applied for a position as Technician and was hired after she graduated SUNY Delhi!

Jessica currently has five cats: Cleopatra, Hercules, Nefertiti, Aurora and Hera. She also has a Pittbull/Lab named Zena.

Michelle Morawski, Bookkeeper

Michelle currently resides in Depew with her husband, Daniel, and their beloved dog, “Coco.” They have two adult children, Justin and Jamie. After graduating from Depew High School, Michelle attended Erie Community College North Campus and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business.

Michelle spent nearly 23 years working with the same local advertising agency in Western New York. In 2000, she was the recipient of the WNY Professional Communicator’s All Star Award.

She enjoys anything associated with ‘Disney’ and frequently visits Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She dreams of someday retiring and becoming a Walt Disney World cast member there.

Michelle’s other interests include reading books by Nicholas Sparks, traveling, watching movies, baking, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Telephone 716-608-7700

Our normal office hours are:

Our hours are subject to change due to surgery schedules, so please call our office at (716) 608-7700 to confirm before you come to pick up medications.

Thank you